Frequently Asked Questions

Your best FAQ about PET botteling.

Questions

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Is PET a Safe Packaging Option?

Yes, the inert PET bottle is a well-accepted package all over the world and is completely safe to drink from. It is also reusable, recyclable, durable, lightweight and eco-friendly.
It can be identified by a small number '1' in a triangle on the container. Alternatively, the letters 'PET' will be stamped on the bottle.

Is It Safe to Freeze a PET Bottle, or Keep It in a Hot Car?

Yes, of course. The idea that PET bottles 'leach' chemicals when frozen or heated in hot cars is not based on any science, and is unsubstantiated by any credible evidence.

Are PET Bottles Recyclable?

Most definitely yes, and simply recycling the PET bottle reduces its carbon footprint by some 25%.

Can I Reuse a PET Bottle?

Yes, like other food or beverage containers, PET bottles can be reused if you take steps to prevent the growth of bacteria. Regularly wash all your containers, not just PET bottles,
with hot soapy water and dry thoroughly.

Do Phthalates Occur in PET Water Bottles?

No, phthalates are not found in PET. The type of "phthalate" which has raised concerns is used to make various plastics more flexible, and in that role is called a "plasticizer".
PET does not contain plasticizers or the type of "phthalate" that is used in plasticizers.

Does PET Contain Antimony Oxide?

Yes, PET does contain antimony oxide, which is used as a catalyst. However, the amounts are well below the established safe limits for food and water set by the World Health Organisation.
For example, a 60kg person would be able to tolerate an intake of 360ug but the guideline for drinking water is 15 - 20ug/l.

How Many PET Bottles Are Recycled?

According to PETCO, the PET plastics industry body responsible for the recycling of post-consumer PET, it achieved an annual rate of 42% of post-consumer beverage PET recycling in 2011.

The target for 2015 is 50%.

Does PET Contain Dioxins?

No, there are no dioxins in PET plastic. Dioxin, a chlorine-containing chemical has no role or presence in the chemistry of PET.

Does PET contain BPA?

No, Bisphenol A (BPA) is not used to make PET, nor is it used to make any of the component materials used to make PET.

Does PET Contain Endocrine Disruptors?

No, there are no substances known that can migrate from PET that could be responsible for the endocrine disruptors having a hormonal effect.

Does PET Contain DEHA?

No, Diethalhydroxylamine (DEHA) is not present in PET, either as a raw material or as a decomposition product. DEHA is also not classified as a human carcinogen and is not considered
to pose any significant health risk to humans.

It can be found in water - bottled or tap water - and is then called DOA. DOA is one of the organic containments commonly found at
trace levels in just about all drinking water. It is also sometimes - incorrectly - interpreted as Diethylhydroxylamine which is not found in PET or in the production of PET bottles.